Lionel Messi scores stunning free-kick as Inter Miami draw 2-2 with San Diego

Lionel Messi scored a superb direct free-kick as Inter Miami drew 2-2 with San Diego in the American league, taking his season tally to 20 goals and extending his lead at the top of the scoring charts.

The Argentina forward struck in the 23rd minute, curling the ball over the wall and watching it hit the post before crossing the line. The goal brought Inter Miami level after San Diego had taken the lead through Danish forward Dane Anders Dreyer 12 minutes into the match.

Dreyer scored again in the 82nd minute to complete his double, after Luis Suarez had briefly put Inter Miami in front with an excellent finish from a narrow angle inside the penalty area in the 74th minute.

Messi remains the American league’s leading scorer with 20 goals this season. Suarez, meanwhile, has scored 13 goals during 2026.

The pair have contributed 33 of Inter Miami’s 63 goals this season, with Messi providing 20 and Suarez 13.

The draw was Inter Miami’s first league match under Argentine manager Kily Gonzalez. It came only four days after the club won the Champions Cup by beating Mexican side Cruz Azul.

Inter Miami moved on to 46 points, drawing level with New England Revolution. They remain involved in the contest for the leading positions in the Eastern Conference.

New England Revolution, Houston and St Louis are also competing for places that would give them home advantage during the knockout stages.